AN INVESTIGATION HAS been launched into allegations that some gardaí made fraudulent claims for overtime, subsistence and travel expenses.
The Sunday Times reports today that the payments of dozens of officers – both serving and retired – will be examined. The allegations, which came from a whistleblower, relate to officers in one of the force’s national units.
A garda spokesperson confirmed today that a chief superintendent has been appointed to investigate the claims. They said it would be “inappropriate to comment” further while the investigation is ongoing.
Most overtime worked by gardaí is set down beforehand and any additional hours or expenses have to be submitted through applications explaining what the duty involved was. A source told TheJournal.ie that the system of checks for detectives is somewhat less formal than that for rank and file officers as they are frequently out making enquiries, or performing duties like surveillance.
“A lot of them would have autonomy to operate in certain respects,” the said. “Obviously there are checks but some people have built up trust over a period of time and obviously somebody has taken advantage of it.”
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